Page 5 of Under His Skin

“I know,” he sincerely replies. Then he grins, fully aware it’s hard to be mad at him when he’s being all sweet.

This is the in I need. I gained Simon’s interest with my morning runs and had the next few steps planned out, but my gut is telling me going Jeremiah’s route is the better, quicker, option. The sooner I do this, the sooner I can get my badge back and the hollow feeling inside me can go away. Now if only my conscious could be so easily fixed. It’s already giving me fits about what I’m supposed to do.

Since the moment the higher ups told me of my ultimatum, something has felt off. Skewed. Literally and figuratively swallowing my concerns instead of talking them over with Uncle Drew like I want to, I put my focus where it belongs. Getting reinstated.

With that thought in mind, I ask the only thing I can, “When do I start?”

Chapter Five

Simon

March 5th…

The music is loud without being headache inducing, the crowd abundant yet not suffocating, and the employees friendly while maintaining an air of professionalism. I’m impressed, and that does not happen a lot.

I accepted Daniel Mancuso’s offer to acquire his shares in After Hours on a whim, one that took myself by surprise as much as it did Anthony and Tommy. It had been difficult to hear Danny at first, seeing as how his face was smushed in a wall when he made it. Not I couldn’t fault my guys for that as he had rushed toward me. For all they knew, he had bad intentions. Wouldn’t be the first attempt they’d thwarted and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Now, though. I’m glad I took it, added it to the legal businesses I own or have some part in. Unbeknownst to everyone else, I’ve quietly been making the switch. Not that I give a shit what others think of me. But it could raise questions and therefore, essentially, back me into a defensive position.

That time will come, but it’ll be when I’m ready. Not before.

When I first met Danny’s original partner, it didn’t take a genius to notice his initial reaction, that of hesitation, upon learning Danny had signed his half over to me. Jeremiah has a good head on his shoulders, a sound business sense, and he isn’t intimidated by who I am.

I like him. More importantly, I’m leaning toward trusting him, and I say that knowing his dad is a cop. That is not something I give freely. It has to be earned, and even then, I’m still cautious as I know how easily loyalty can be bought. Still feel the sting of betrayal because of it. Even more so because it came from my own father.

Jeremiah has shown me nothing but respect, yet he’s also confident enough in himself and his mind to speak it when he feels necessary. I appreciate that. I’ve been “Yes, Sir’d” to death since becoming boss and I’m tired of it.

Initially, I made an appearance every ten days or so, but those turned into two than three times each week. I felt a connection to this place the moment I stepped into it and it’s still there. As if it’s important to me, even if I haven’t figured out why yet. It can’t be as a businessman, though that aspect is there, too. It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling other than…

Anticipation.

Maybe that’s why I increased my visits. I’m worried I might miss the reason behind it.

–––

An hour later, I feel it. A heat that skates over my skin, raising the hairs there. As if fingers raked through my scalp and dug into my beard. And each spot is connected to the dick that hasn’t gotten hard in longer than I can remember. Well, I take that back. The only time in the last few decades has been when the woman running past my house seems to be in my vicinity.

What are the odds two different females can bring that out in me? Zilch.

Subtly turning in my chair, I let my gaze scan the crowd, not in the least surprised when they land on her. Of course, it’s her. I watch, hating the fact my gaze isn’t the only one on her, tempted to bare my teeth and snarl at them for daring to look at what’s mine.

Except she’s not.

Yet.

I haven’t wanted anything for myself in forever. No point in it when you know it won’t matter. But for her, to just hear her say my name…the mere thought of it has me ready to pound my chest like a caveman, throw her over my shoulder, and keep her captive in my home. No, wait. Someplace that can’t be connected to me, that way they’ll never find us.

As I unabashedly stare at her, I instinctively rise to my feet when a jerk at the table she’s serving tries to touch her. That’s a dead motherfucker right there. I hope he likes the clothes he’s currently wearing because he’ll be in them for eternity.

“Wait for it,” Jeremiah encourages me and I barely contain the jolt from not knowing he was there. The fact I was so focused on her he snuck up on me is surprising.

“She’s half his size,” I argue.

“Trust me,” he counters. “She has this.” I do as he suggests, knowing we’ll be having words soon regarding how well he apparently knows her. If they’re a thing, I might have to hurt one of the very few I consider a friend. She slides to the right, efficiently dodging his wandering hand, and giving me a great view of the ink she sports. But the asshole doesn’t get the hint. This time, he adds verbal assaults to the physical attempts. Forget a purple haze. Hendrix was wrong. The red is much more dangerous.

“Try again, even think about it,” I hear her warn him in a voice that sounds akin to what I image satin wrapped in lace would, “and I won’t be responsible for the consequences.”

Threatening bodily harm in defense of herself. Sexy. As. Fuck. Unfortunately, not only does the idiot agree, he taunts her about her claim. “Please. Wouldn’t want to break a nail, would you?” His cohorts guffaw, enjoying the show and their companion’s witty, in their eyes, remarks. “Don’t you know who I am? I could buy a hundred women just like you.”

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